"Let us also pay homage to our sons and daughters who laid down their lives in the defence of the motherland. Their sacrifices will never go in vain," Zardari said in his message on Pakistan's annual Defence Day on Friday.

The need to imbibe the spirit of September 6 this year was even greater as the country was confronted with a new and far more serious challenge to its existence from the militants, extremists and fanatics, the President said.

He said that no other nation has paid such a heavy price as the people of Pakistan in fighting the militants and to safeguard their right to live in accordance with the democratic values for which Pakistan was created. "We salute the people for demonstrating exemplary unity and armed forces for their valour and courage," he said.

Zardari said September 6 was no ordinary day for Pakistan. Back in 1965 on this day, the people of Pakistan closed their ranks in standing behind the armed forces of the country to face a serious threat to the country, he said.

In his message, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said, “The 'Defence Day' helps us in reinvigorating the spirit of patriotism as the country is facing multiple security challenges in shape of extremism‚ terrorism and external aggression". He said the entire nation stands alongside the defence forces to thwart all evil designs of enemies of Pakistan.